A type of forgetting where previously learned information interferes with the ability to learn or recall new information. Old memories compete with and disrupt the formation or retrieval of new memories.
From Latin 'pro-' meaning 'forward' and 'agere' meaning 'to act,' combined with 'interference.' The term was coined in the 1940s by memory researchers who discovered that prior learning could actually hinder new learning rather than help it.
This is why your grandmother might keep calling your new boyfriend by your ex's name - her old memories are so strong they keep 'jumping forward' to interfere with learning the new name!
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